This diagram shows those areas on doors, adjacent side panels, low level glazing and windows which are defined under current Building Regulations as critical areas, and ones where safety glazing must be used. These regulations apply to both single and double glazing.

Toughened or Laminated Glass?

Safety glazing can be achieved by using either toughened or laminated glass. All standard clear and obscure glass can be toughened but this takes a few days to manufacture, whilst both clear and obscure laminated glass doesn’t need to be processed, and can be fitted immediately once cut to size.

Toughened Glass explained

We have all seen the aftermath of a damaged phone box or bus shelter with little bits of ‘sugar’ everywhere. This is toughened glass in action.

Without going all technical, the glass is processed using both a heating and cooling process. This gives the glass its strength making it much stronger.

The only downside to glazing this in your home is that when it does eventually break, all the bits fall away and, usually, you are left with a big hole where your window used to be!

Great if you have just tripped over and you are not now heading to casualty with life threatening injuries, but not so great if you don’t want unwelcome visitors to get in.

However, if the toughened glass has been used in a double-glazing application, that’s fine as you have a second piece to maintain security, but in single glazed applications, particularly on doors and low-level windows, laminated glass might be better.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass breaks like a car windscreen. It stays together as it’s bonded to a clear membrane, just like the picture below. Although you still end up with damage, the ‘spiders web’ pattern means that your glass stays in its frame and intruders stay outside!

Laminated glass is standard glazing in business premises, but it is quite acceptable in door panels and other glazing applications in domestic properties.

If you occupy or own a commercial property and you are unsure if the glass you have is the older plate glass or modern laminated safety glass, we can undertake what is referred to as a Regulation 14 survey. This will tell you which one you have, but don’t worry even if we find some of the older glass you don’t have to have it replaced immediately. By simply having a clear safety film fitted, your plate glass can be brought up to reasonable safety level and satisfy your obligations under current Health & Safety legislation.

Ring us for details, and to book your Regulation 14 survey.

VELUX Windows

If you have misted up unit or the glass is cracked, we can replace double glazed units throughout the entire VELUX range. Simply open your window, make a note of the product number on the label (usually on the front right-hand side when in the open position) and either phone us or send this information via the ‘Contact Us’ form, and we will give you a very competitive price for the work by return. Whilst some of the replacement units are made up of standard glass, there are others that are made with toughened safety glass, which can take a few days to manufacturer.

We also supply and fit a wide range of replacement parts such as handles, keeps and locks.

Do you have any VELUX windows less than 390mm in width? If so, then please check out:

This VELUX Product Warning only affects a small batch of windows with a visible glass area of 373mm wide. They were produced between 1997 – 2003 only. No other types or sizes of VELUX windows are affected.

If you think you may have one of these frames in your home, or you need advice about VELUX glass or any replacement window parts, please contact VELUX directly through their website or contact us.

Getting in Touch

To discuss your requirements or to book a free survey, you can ring us anytime, or send an email